Connect
To Top

Meet Chloe Koebel of Chloe Koebel Graphic Design

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Koebel.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I was encouraged to pursue my love of art. My grandma would come over every weekend and do art classes with me. My family homeschooled me, so I would go with them to art museums, or read books about history, art, and culture. Often after learning about a place, my parents would take me there. We learned in depth about Egypt one year– so at the end of that year, my family traveled there. They raised me to love the world around me and to learn all I could about it all.

I moved to Arizona when I was twelve and immediately fell in love. To this day we still go on weekend trips all over the state, touring museums, pueblos, attending festivals, going on scenic drives, or just walking around different downtown locations. At age 14 I attended EVIT and took classes in graphic design, photography, and videography. I recently graduated and began taking on regular freelance work, as well as getting an internship opportunity with Mesa photographer Ivan Martinez.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, I received an immense amount of support and encouragement from my family. They were my driving force of inspiration over the years. Still, for a couple of years, I began hating my own art. I vowed never to make art again, declaring that I was useless, that I was not talented enough to go any further. I fully believed I was wasting my time. My mom tried to convince me otherwise, but I was inconsolable and stubborn.

It took a long time before I could bring myself to try again. Sketching, painting, and writing didn’t come easily to me at first, but over time it felt natural again. I filled my life with art, determined to try again. It’s not always easy.

Anyone can fall victim to anxiety and feelings of insecurity. I still sometimes look at other’s work and compare myself to them, frustrated that I lack their talent. To keep these thoughts at bay, I try to remember that my grandma told me that almost no one is simply born talented. Talent is an amalgamation of hard work and persistence. As long as I love making my art, I am good at it. As long as I keep working and keep trying, I will only improve.

Chloe Koebel Graphic Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is small. It’s just me, myself, and my camera. I’m still a young freelancer, working on small jobs as they come along. My most common jobs are senior photos, creative shoots for those who want to try something new, portraiture, family photos, and photographing big events. I am constantly seeking new places to take pictures in, hunting down ideas and trying to develop a distinct photographic style.

My work is based off a childhood of hard work and passion. I’m most proud of having begun at such a young age and not having given up or veered off my original path. I began as the youngest student in my class, among the youngest students in the entire school. I was often faced with doubt and laughter. I didn’t let my passion stay locked up in the classroom, instead of doing work on weekends, after school, and any chance I got in-between.

I almost always have my camera on me when I go out. I love photographing people most of all, and I believe this shows in my work. When I take a portrait of someone, I like to get to know my subject. I think capturing someone as they truly are with little posing is very important.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’ve spent years working on a photojournalism book called Happily Ever After. It is an extensive project inviting LGBT couples to tell their love story. LGBT history is all around us but is oft forgotten and erased. The purpose of this photography series is first and foremost to give hope. Everyone always tells you “It gets better”, but when you never actually see it getting better for anyone with your own eyes, it starts to feel less true.

Popular media rarely shows LGBT couples over the age of twenty, leaving younger generations feeling confused and a bit lost when they try to imagine their own future. I want to create a bridge between the younger and the older generation. Each session will include a brief photo-shoot and interview in which they are asked to tell their love story, their experiences, and give advice to those who may need it. This book will feature people of all ages, living their lives and telling their success stories.

I intend to show that anyone can live a long, happy, fulfilling life with their partner, no matter their identity. Growing old with someone is not a privilege that you must fight to experience. This year at the One-N-Ten annual Fresh Brunch fundraiser, I was given the exciting opportunity to speak about my project in front of a crowd of almost a thousand people. I’d never thought that this kind of opportunity would be offered to me.

Standing up on that stage I was able to share my project with my peers, mentors, and new supporters. I met so many friendly, encouraging faces that day who expressed their gratefulness to me. It meant a lot to me to show my younger friends that anything can be possible and that they should never think themselves too young to make a change.

Pricing:

  • Personal Portraits are 1 hr: $70.00
  • Interior Shop/Product Photos are 1 hr: $85.00
  • Phoenix Comic Fest/Fanfest Cosplay Photoshoot Sessions are 30 mins: $50.00
  • Food Photography Sessions are 1 hr 30 min: $80.00
  • Artistic, Creative Photoshoots are 1 hr 30 min: $85.00
  • Event Photo Sessions are 3 hr: $150.00
  • Couples Photos are 1 hr 30 min: $120.00
  • Wedding Pictures are 4 hr; $200.00
  • Family Photos are 1 hr 30 min: $100.00

Contact Info:


Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in